BJP functionary and MLC C. T. Ravi on Saturday criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government, alleging that its celebration of 1,000 days in office amounted to marking “1,000 scams and problems”.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in the city, Ravi questioned whether the government was celebrating corruption or what he described as a “bankrupt exchequer”. He said the ruling dispensation had no moral right to celebrate when, according to him, citizens were facing hardships.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement
Ravi alleged irregularities in the management of SCP/TSP funds, the implementation of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, and the distribution of Anna Bhagya rice. He also referred to alleged fund misappropriation in the Valmiki Corporation and the Muda controversy involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He claimed that nearly ₹180 crore swindled from the Valmiki Corporation was yet to be fully recovered. The MLC further alleged that development works had slowed down and that law and order had deteriorated, accusing the government of failing to curb drug-related activities.
Ravi also criticised what he described as a power tussle between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, alleging that internal discord had impacted governance.
Economic concerns and employment
Highlighting price rises in essential commodities, electricity tariff hikes, and cess on petrol and diesel, Ravi said the common man was under pressure. He claimed that contractors were awaiting payments of nearly ₹37,000 crore over the past three years.
Terming the government “anti-youth”, he alleged that no major job recruitment had taken place despite vacancies in government departments. He also criticised the discontinuation of certain schemes introduced during the previous BJP regime.
Responding to a query on the arrest of former minister and BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, Ravi described it as politically motivated.
The Congress government has not immediately responded to these allegations.